Given the Chargers’ situation and the fact that the former first-round pick hasn’t reached untouchable status, you could see how he would be a potential trade target. LA currently has Johnston, Ladd McConkey and 2025 pick Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith atop the depth chart.
“We are very excited about the wide reception room,” said Hortiz. “[Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel] has talked about it. Just the development that all these guys have done. Everything to start with (Johnston). Watching him get better year after year after year.”
Hortiz’s comments would be louder if he picked up the fifth-year option on Johnston’s contract, which is expected to be worth $18.1 million. LA has until May 1 to do so. By waiting, the Chargers are tacitly indicating that they might be willing to deal with the expansion if someone called with a legitimate offer.
The reality is that few players — especially few non-quarterbacks — are exempt from trade. Johnston has improved under Jim Harbaugh, but after zero 1,000-yard campaigns in three seasons, he’s far from untouchable. Of course, a team willing to give up the right compensation for the Chargers would need to even consider dealing him.